Investing in Ferguson Marine
Four contracts for shipyard proposed.
The Scottish Government would award four new vessel contracts to Ferguson Marine under proposals announced to Parliament today to help secure a sustainable future for the yard and strengthen Scottish shipbuilding.
Subject to appropriate due diligence processes to assess viability, the direct awards would see the Port Glasgow shipyard construct the replacements for the research vessel, Scotia, and the fisheries protection vessel, Minna, for the Marine Directorate, alongside two ferries under Phase 2 of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme. The contracts match to the yard’s current capabilities and would take up most of its capacity for the next five years, whilst also enabling the yard to pursue additional commercial opportunities.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the announcement built on the strong foundation set by Ferguson Marine’s new senior leadership team and the continuing commitment of the workforce.
Ms Forbes said:
“Now is the time to invest further in Scottish shipbuilding and bolster confidence in the future of Ferguson Marine.
“This is a watershed moment. Fulfilment of the proposed programme, subject to due diligence processes to assess viability, would secure a pipeline of work and allow the shipyard to move ahead with its modernisation plans while pitching for additional orders on the open market.
“Since bringing the company into public ownership, the Scottish Government’s goal has been for Ferguson Marine to become a competitive, thriving business which extends the long history of world class commercial shipbuilding on the River Clyde.
“My announcement today supports that ambition and sets a clear course for the future. We rescued Ferguson Marine for a purpose and we are determined to see it succeed.”
Background
Ferguson Marine: Deputy First Minister's statement - 3 February 2026 - gov.scot
The proposals are subject to a detailed due diligence process to assess viability, which is underway within the Scottish Government. Over the coming weeks Ferguson Marine will finalise a business plan and the Scottish Government will consider a potential referral of the proposals to the Competition and Markets Authority for review under the Subsidy Control Act.
The proposed contracts would also unlock the remainder of the £14.2 million committed by the Scottish Government to upgrade the yard’s infrastructure, improve productivity and streamline production.